In a major tactical victory for the Trump Administration, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has agreed to expedite the review of appeal of a Maryland district court judge in blocking the immigration order of President Donald Trump. The Fourth Circuit will hear the appeal en banc rather than leave the matter to a three-judge panel. That decision favors the Administration and will reduce the time for appeal.

To reach the decision, the fifteen judges on the circuit and vote by majority to allow the case to proceed to the full en banc court.

This will set up a rapid schedule in May. The decision in Hawaii blocking the order will be heard by the Ninth Circuit on May 15. Now the Fourth Circuit argument will occur on May 8.